The kitchen is the heart of your home, and you deserve a space that is tailored to your precise style and preferences. Whether you’ve recently purchased a home that needs some help, or are living in one in where fixtures and materials are out of date or just not functional, it’s time to personalize one of your most-used areas.

The truth is that kitchen styles and designs have continued to evolve, which can be equal parts exciting and challenging for homeowners that want to make a change. What you thought looked nice five years ago may be out of date in another few years, so it’s important to stay aware of trends.

On top of beauty and elegance, what is available today is bringing more function to today’s kitchens, which is something you shouldn’t ignore as you approach this project. If you fantasize about creating an entertainer’s dream with your upcoming kitchen remodel, here are some ways that you can personalize your space.

Kitchens as a Focal Point in the Home

In years past, your home’s kitchen was where you toasted bread, boiled eggs and washed dirty dishes. Not anymore. At least, that’s not all the space is good for. These rooms have now evolved to be focal points in the home. Family and friends gather in these elegant spaces to cook, socialize, and eat.

Instead of being a room that is hidden at the back of the house, many modern kitchens are part of open floor plans in open concept homes. These dynamics place more emphasis on the layout, materials, and fixtures that you choose for your next kitchen remodel project.

Streamlined Designs and Styles

While mid-century modern and farmhouse designs continue to be popular, homeowners are moving towards streamlining their kitchen designs to create a combination of better aesthetics and function.

Fortunately, you have many choices that will allow you to customize a kitchen to suit your needs and style. While islands are popular, that doesn’t mean you have to have one. You can opt for a large dining table instead to bring more people into the kitchen and create a sense of community.

More homeowners are opting to remove upper wall cabinets to create a more spacious appearance which allows in more light. At the same time, you might want to consider adding some texture to your kitchen to create focal points. Examples are coffered ceilings, textured backsplashes, and natural stone flooring.

And when it comes to flooring, your style will dictate your choices. This is often a building point for kitchen design since many homeowners have an idea of what they want with flooring from the start. Hardwood is certainly an option, but so is tile and other natural stone choices that can serve as the canvas for your space.

Whether you remove those upper cabinets or not, using space efficiently is a must. Older kitchens are known for wasting space, but the most modern ones maximize your storage options with pull-outs, roll-out trays and caddies, and even special cabinets to hide the wastebasket and recyclables.

Color & Materials Trends in High-End Kitchens

Whites and grays are still beautiful colors in a kitchen, but there is a growing trend towards bringing more color into the space, particularly with cabinets in bright and rich tones. This includes deep blues, reds, and greens, as well as islands that are painted different colors to offset neutral shades.

When it comes to materials, quartz is still the most popular choice for high-end kitchen countertops. This is a material that is easy to maintain and will last forever. There is also a growing trend towards composite sinks that match countertops and the use of gunmetal and pewter hardware.

The Option for Smart Appliances and Fixtures

Technology has entered just about every aspect of today’s modern and high-end kitchen. This might start with fancy appliances that are wifi-enabled and voice-controlled, but it doesn’t end there.

You can create a kitchen that has smart technology in your lighting, small appliances, and even your faucets. The new high-end faucets boast such features as touch-free activation, no-fingerprint coating, and water efficiency.

Charleston Residential Kitchen Design Services

Whether you’ve just purchased a new home or are an established homeowner, you should have the kitchen of your dreams. This is something that is not only beautiful but also functions the way you imagine.

At Spivey Architects, we provide interior design and consulting services to residential and commercial clients. Our typical homeowner is a Charleston area resident that wants to create a space truly customized to their lifestyle.

During our initial meetings, we will discuss a variety of ideas to narrow down the common themes that will create the vision for your ideal kitchen. Then we’ll begin focusing on the details as we make that vision a reality.

If you’re in the Charleston area, contact our office now to learn more about our services for your upcoming kitchen design and remodel project.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]